Travel Tips Colombia – Whether you’re wandering along the treacherous beaches, the wild jungle, or the high altitude of a national park, Colombia is guaranteed to impress.
After decades of association with arms and drug cartels, this South American country has moved well beyond those dark decades, emerging from that chapter of history as one of the continent’s most joyful and welcoming places to explore.
Travel Tips Colombia
Travelers should prepare for a trip to Colombia that will leave them wanting to never return home, because of the country’s remarkably warm and friendly people and uniquely Latino spirit. Read the following tips to ensure a safe and truly memorable trip to Colombia.
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A big mistake that even seasoned travelers make is to try and over-pack on their trip around Colombia. Before you try to squeeze every last corner of the country into a two-week itinerary, cast your eyes on the map. Yes, Colombia is almost twice the size of France or Texas – and you can’t see it all in one trip.
Rather, stick to one section of the country to explore and explore well: spend three weeks between soaking in the sun, Caribbean beaches, or heading from Medellín deep into the Zona Cafetera. Your journey will match Colombia’s own pace: slow and pleasant.
If you still plan to cover as many places as possible in a short trip, Colombia’s wealth of low-cost airlines offers the most efficient way to get around (though bear in mind the increased carbon footprint of traveling by plane). While nothing quite compares to the cultural experience of taking a regional bus (where you “start” the deafening music of the duration), there are more or less cheap domestic flights available.
Don’t be fooled by the chocolate prices, which typically don’t include checked baggage. Peak travel times (December through mid-January, Semana Santa and June through August) add a premium and can sell out quickly, so book in advance if you can visit during these months.
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Whether you’re hitting the Caribbean coast or heading to the rainy climate of the capital, Bogotá, you can experience the full array of weather. While Colombia officially has two distinct seasons – the dry season (December through February and July through August) and the rainy season (April, May and September through November) – due to the variation in terrain and ecosystems, you’ll likely experience four seasons in one trip.
As a rule, the Caribbean coast is hot and humid, while Bogotá and the wider Andean regions receive plenty of rain. Come prepared with plenty of layers, including a warm rain jacket, it’s easy to pack, and you’re ready to adapt to whatever the weather throws at you.
For a country surrounded by violent conflict for so long, today Colombia is a remarkably open and welcoming international destination for travelers. Wherever you are, it’s easy to have a conversation with the owner of a restaurant, your taxi driver or a local to enjoy the sun on a city street. And they will be glad if you do.
Knowing more than basic Spanish can go a long way, encouraging engaging in engaging conversations about culture, football, history and politics. Colombian Spanish, especially in Bogotá and Medellín, is considered one of the easiest to understand in Latin America, so the most affordable language schools in both cities give you some practice before you arrive in the rest of the country.
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When traveling in the rural areas of Colombia, it is not uncommon to be crossed by an army of police officers who will often ask to see your documents before tossing you on the road. In areas recently opened up to tourism following conflict, perhaps even tanks and other military vehicles are parked along the roads.
While it may seem intimidating, the strong military presence around the country is there for the safety of the local people – and you. Be smart and have the correct document (either an actual passport or a photo of the page and entry note) with you, and you’ll rarely get out.
Like much of Latin America, Colombian culture is not known for its strict adherence to the clock, and is often misleading for the punctuality-obsessed traveler. “Colombian time” is a close-to-proper time zone and you should leave your ideas of time at home. To avoid getting frustrated, relax and embrace being flexible – in fact, the only way to deal with the typical-retro Colombian attitude towards life, the universe and pretty much everything.
While large, commercial and interregional flights tend to leave on time, tight schedules do not hold in many other situations. If you are an established person in Colombia or looking for a rural property
Colombia Travel Poster Special Offers Map Vector Illustration 49274
In order to leave, bring a book, ideally, outside the appointed time to wait an hour.
If there is one way of harassing Colombians, there is a topic that many Western tourists, despite Colombian efforts to discourage them, continue to be connected to their country: medicine. Illegal substances are taboo in Colombia, and despite (or more likely) the country’s history, few Colombians take them. The inhabitants of Medellín are especially nourished by the city’s association with drug cartels and with tourists who go there to use cocaine, which is illegal and you can see a lot of trouble if you are caught.
Or Colombians are frustrated with Netflix’s representation of the country and what they see as the glorification of mass murder. There is quite a bit to be observed, and we also highlight many of Pablo Escobar’s tours. Telling local people about their experiences during the drug-war years would be far more informative and accurate.
While safety is no longer the same major concern it once was, using taxis to travel between neighborhoods in major cities across Colombia is a sensible choice. Wandering around at night, especially when you’ve got a vigilante or two in tow, is often an invitation to opportunistic robbers.
Official Tourism Guide Of Colombia
Taxis are extremely affordable and relatively painless if you use a ride-sharing app, such as Cabify or Uber. Private taxis can open you up to scams or worse, so calling a cab (or asking your hotel) is recommended. Always confirm the price or check that the taxi meter laboratory before entering the vehicle.
Homosexuality was decriminalized in Colombia in the early 1980s, and the first same-sex marriage ceremony was celebrated in 2013 – evidence that this country has some of the most progressive attitudes towards LGBTQI+ rights in Latin America. Bogotá’s gay scene is well-established, with bars and nightlife found in Chapinero, one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Some hotels and restaurants are starting to advertise themselves as gay friendly.
Despite its progressive laws, much of Colombian society remains traditionalist, and many same-sex couples still feel safe displaying their love in public. For more information specifically for LGBTQI+ travelers, check out the Gay Colombia Guide.
You can explore Colombia’s many regions and climates widely, but it’s best to stick to well-established itineraries © Brent Olson / Getty Images
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Colombia has experienced a face-off in the past decades, shedding its title as one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America and coming into its own as a destination worth traveling to.
It all comes down to the historic agreement signed in 2016 between the Colombian government and the FARC, which, after five decades of conflict, has led to many parts of the country finally moving from nowhere to places to be taken. visitors
However, it is not wise to go any further down the beaten path. Some rural areas remain dangerous because of their links with neo-paramilitary groups and drug-trafficking, especially on the borders with Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador. Before making any unusual trip, always research the situation on the ground and guide your travel plans.
While significantly improved health, you should always “don’t give papaya.” This delightful idiom – which literally translates to “don’t give papaya” – means to always keep your wits about you, focused on those who will use you. In practice, this means the following common sense warnings: don’t cross the dark, empty roads at night, you don’t know your head in the neighborhoods without first saying hello and not hitting the city with a motorcycle. expensive camera documents.
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Travel insurance is essential because muggings are unfortunately still a problem in states such as Bogota, Cali and Medellín; You should never resist if someone tries to rob you. Distraction skills are what thieves use most effectively, so always beware of people approaching you on the street or asking the police to put your money on scammers.
If something goes wrong, head to the nearest police station to report the crime immediately. The authorities will give you a report and give you a copy, which you will need to make an insurance claim.
You can expect a high level of service in Colombia’s bars, restaurants and shops © andresr / Getty Images
Dining in Colombia is very affordable compared to most places in Europe or North America. When to